It’s been a very quiet National Poetry Month in blog-land… (you can read the full update as to why it was so quite on Kym’s post today) although, I have been reading lots of poetry. Lots of poetry. And though I am still very much in Blog Hiatus, when Kym mentioned some Lightning Round Questions, I was All In!
So, with no further ado, here are Kym’s Questions… with my answers:
When was the first time you remember being moved by a poem? Bonus points if you remember which poem.
Ahhh! It was the day some years ago when Kym shared Derek Walcott’s Love After Love. It is a poem I circle back to frequently.
Favorite nursery rhyme?
Hmm, I had to think about this one for a bit… The first one that I thought of was Little Jack Horner but I don’t know if that is my favorite. I think the one that, for me, had the best images was Humpty Dumpty all those king’s horses and men were memorable!
Favorite Mary Oliver poem? (Just one…)
Ahhh, this one is easy for me… it is The Summer Day I mean haven’t you asked yourself what you will do with your one wild and precious life?
Song lyrics: Poetry? Or something else?
I mean… aren’t all song lyrics poetry? For me, that answer is a resounding YES!
Favorite Dr. Seuss book?
One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish! (followed in a very close second by Green Eggs and Ham!)
A poetry collection you’ve read recently?
Mmmm, The Blue House: Collected works of Tomas Tranströmer… and I loved them so much I purchased a copy of the book for my poetry library!
When do find yourself reaching for poetry most often?
I read poetry every single day… I honestly don’t know how one would get through “these times” without it. It is always the best part of the day! I also listen to poetry podcasts as well… those podcasts have introduced me to so many new-to-me poets! (And if you are wondering about which podcasts… they are The Slowdown which offers episodes M-F and is hosted by the delightful Maggie Smith, Poetry Unbound hosted by Padraig O’Tuama which is not daily, but there are seasons of episodes for one to get lost in, and Poetry for All hosted by Joanne Diaz and Abram Van Engen. It is a bit more like a class on poetry and is really so good… episodes drop monthly.)
How do you keep track of poems you especially like?
In books of poetry, I use page flags to save pages. Also, I utilize Apple Notes on my phone… I have a Poetry section that is quite full… a good thing because it is nice to have poetry handy even when I am away from my poetry library!
Favorite movie having to do with poetry?
Oof, this is a hard question. The first moving that sprung to my mind was Dead Poet’s Society. But I would not say that was a favorite movie. A movie I really enjoyed that was about a famous poet was Neruda. Which then reminded me of Il Postino… a movie I loved (and should watch again!)
Which poem are you keeping in your pocket today?
No physical poem in my pocket but I always have Fog by Carl Sandburg in my head. It is embedded deeply thanks to my beloved grandpa who recited it frequently.
I hope that you found some moments this month to read a bit of poetry. I will be back to regular blogging soon. I hope your April has been amazing!
Interesting answers, Kat! Here are mine:
When was the first time you remember being moved by a poem? Bonus points if you remember which poem.
I was making the bed (as an adult in my 30s) and listening to NPR. The poem was A Tale Begun. It’s honestly one of my most vivid memories!
Favorite nursery rhyme?
Ring Around the Rosie because my kids loved the “we all fall down part”.
Favorite Mary Oliver poem?
Wild Geese because it’s the only one I can think of right now.
Song lyrics or poetry?
Song lyrics because some of them are poetry!
Favorite Dr. Seuss book?
The Lorax
A poetry collection you’ve read recently?
Map by Wislawa Szymborska
When do you find yourself reaching for poetry?
Any time!
How do you keep track of poems you like?
By dog-earing pages in books I own, and with folders (both paper and digital). Sometimes post-its on the refrigerator.
What poem is in your pocket?
I’m carrying my Poetry Cootie Catcher in my pocket literally and may ambush a few people with it.
Now I’ll have to go read some Derek Walcott!
Ok I am off to find Poetry Cootie Catcher!! (Great answers!)
Interesting answers, Kat! Here are mine:
When was the first time you remember being moved by a poem? Bonus points if you remember which poem.
I was making the bed (as an adult in my 30s) and listening to NPR. The poem was A Tale Begun. It’s honestly one of my most vivid memories!
Favorite nursery rhyme?
Ring Around the Rosie because my kids loved the “we all fall down part”.
Favorite Mary Oliver poem?
Wild Geese because it’s the only one I can think of right now.
Song lyrics or poetry?
Song lyrics because some of them are poetry!
Favorite Dr. Seuss book?
The Lorax
A poetry collection you’ve read recently?
Map by Wislawa Szymborska
When do you find yourself reaching for poetry?
Any time!
How do you keep track of poems you like?
By dog-earing pages in books I own, and with folders (both paper and digital). Sometimes post-its on the refrigerator.
What poem is in your pocket?
I’m carrying my Poetry Cootie Catcher in my pocket literally and may ambush a few people with it.
Now I need to go read some Derek Walcott!
Hi, Kat! I was unable to comment on your thought-provoking Seasons post (maybe comments closed b/c I’m so late?) so I want to touch base here. This word feels emblematic of you right now. I feel like it comes through regularly—not just in your check-in post.
I’m cheering you on with your sleep success! It continues to be a big challenge for me (and for my snoring spouse), but there’s much to be said for chipping away with trial and error.
And Angela Harding—what a treasure chest! I dream of a field trip to her studio one day.
Wishing you well—and I hope you’ve settled nicely in to your hiatus!
I aspire to read poetry every day — maybe when I’m through this current stage of life, when there are so many demands on my time!
reading this reminds me I need to read more poetry!!